Saturday, November 6, 2010

Book Saturday! Wow, it's been so long since we've had a Book Saturday!
So, following along the lines of book Saturday, I think it fits to tell you that I finished THE WORST THING SHE EVER DID by Alice Kuipers. It was so amazing! It just blew my mind. At one point I actually had to put the book down because it was so sad and I could not stop crying! But, it was a great book. One of those that made me feel like...like I just had it all! Like my life was so amazing. It made me feel like I should never be angry or sad because compared to this girl, I had absolutely EVERYTHING! I'm now reading SCARLETT FEVER (and no, it's not actually about scarlett fever) by Maureen Johnson and the LET IT SNOW by Maureen Johnson, John Green and Lauren Myracle. I've already read Let It Snow but it's just such a great book! And Scarlett Fever is the sequel to Suite Scarlett which I read over the summer. It's going to be great!
So, without further ado, I give you the websites for the books!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Hello Blog, I FINISHED LINGER!
Now that we have that out of the way, let's talk about something else. 'No, tell me, how was Linger?' you ask. OH MY GOODNESS!!! It was so amazing! All I'm going to say is that Maggie Stiefvater, I applaud you. As a matter of fact, I'm checking her blog right now. And...oh my goodness. She has the cover of Lament* and Ballad** in SERBIAN. If you don't know where serbia is, look it up. But, I have relatives in Serbia and I just got uber (that's right, uber) excited! I don't even know why. I think it's probably because every time I tell someone I'm from Serbia, they say: 'HUH???" or "Ahh...I see. and then turn around and say" "Where the h**l is Siberia?" So the fact that Maggie Stiefvater put up the cover on her blog---even though it's probably just because the cover is just so hilarious---I am so overjoyed!!! GAH! (That was me being me and expressing my awesomeness.)
So Blog, you think you can top that? Just kidding.

*One of the books Maggie wrote which I am about to read.
**Second book of Lament (*)

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Oh my goodness! Blog, it's been so long since we've talked. 'Why so long Ebony?' you might ask. The answer is that my life has been very hectic for the past few weeks. Nothing big, just lots of little insignificant things. 'Such as?' you might also ask because you are very disappointed in me. First of all, I've had many quizzes and stressing tests that I've had to prepare for. Also, I had three projects that I'm juggling and two of them are still not over with! 'Alright, that's something but it doesn't explain why you haven't written to me in over two weeks!' you say. Yes, I agree. There is no specific reason that I haven't written to you but one of the things that contributed to it was that I'm writing a book. A book about anorexia. And it's taking up quite a bit of my time because when a thought or idea pops into my head, I have to write it down, I can't just keep track of a million different ideas! 'Oh, how is your book coming along Ebony?' Well it's going very well, thank you blog. I've also been trying to keep my friends off my back. You see blog, they're trying to push me into going to this teen dance thing. Now, this is for 'cool' people. Nerds like me DON'T LIKE going to those things. You're saying 'well how do you know if you've never been to one?' But the thing is blog, I have. I've been to one of the teen dances. Honestly, I WISHED I'D NEVER GONE! Granted, I was sick at the time but I don't think that was the problem. You see, the music was WAY too loud and it was three hours long of just sweaty people being sweaty and loud with each other in a really small room with really loud music. Honestly, I'd rather be at a library or movie with my sister or friends. So, now you see just a few reasons why it's been so long. But we'll definitely chat soon, it's just that my library books are due back today so, bye!

Saturday, October 2, 2010

As many of you already know, I am currently reading Linger by Maggie Stiefvater. It is so good! I'm at the part where Grace---you know what, I probably shouldn't spoil it. Sorry.
So yesterday I was just reading my way along when I realized OH MY GOODNESS! and I jumped. Thank goodness I was alone because people would have thought that I discovered a giant elephant walking out of my book. But of course I didn't. I just realized that I had absolutely no book to read after Linger until Forever comes out next summer! Agh! So I started scanning my bookcase for books that have just been sitting there forever or that I haven't got around to reading yet or any hand-me-down books. THE SECRET GARDEN, FAIREST, SKELLIG, BRIDGET JONES' DIARY, A LITTLE PRINCESS, TWILIGHT, HARRY POTTER SERIES, SHIVER, LITTLE WOMEN. Aha! Little Women! I read Little Women in grade five and my English teacher couldn't believe his eyes. Because the book is a classic and five hundred and twenty pages. This was right after he recommended a book that I had read in grade three. I absolutely loved Little Women and plan to read it again soon. But until then we shouldn't forget about Grace and the fact that she---Ebony, don't spoil the book! Sorry. Linger first then Little Women.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Today, when I got home, I make the chicken or put it in the oven. "So What?" You're saying. But it's not that simple. I can't just say "So what if I didn't make the dinner today even though I said that I would?" I forgot to put the chicken in the oven so now I have to eat a lamb stew for dinner. Once again, I know what the chef voice inside of your head is saying. I know because the chef voice inside MY head is saying the exact same thing. It's saying "Mmm...Lamb stew. Nice and comforting. I love lamb stew! Ebony is crazy." But even though I know I should like lamb and I can't really say that I'm a good cook if I don't like lamb but...but...I'm listening to the other voice in my head. The voice that makes me just another teenage girl with just another blog. And it's saying "Ebony, you know that lamb may taste extraordinary to others but not to you. Just like certain things taste incredible to you and make others cringe." And right now, this voice is taking over the cook voice. Unfortunately. So even though I'm not hungry right now, I know I'll have to have dinner at some point when I DO get hungry. And when that happens, it's going to be lambstew.

But don't get me wrong, the lamb stew doesn't taste terrible, just, not amazing (maybe if I add lots of cottage cheese or sour cream). And if I may just add that I'm sorry I'm venting about the food I'm having for dinner because I do know that there are starving people out there who would die of happiness to have ten spoonfuls
of this lamb stew. And I am completely sympathetic for them. I hateit, absolutely hate it (and you should know that I rarely use the word hate) when people take a bite of their apple or of their sandwich and
decide they don't like and then just pop it in the trash. Tut, tut, tut.

Yes, I didn't do the chicken.
Ebony

P.S. Mother, if you're reading this, please don't lecture me about how it's silly that I don't like lamb.
I HAVE MY REASONS! :)

Friday, September 17, 2010

Dear Readers,
I must apologize for not writing on the many days I said I would. It's not that I didn't want to chat it's that I have come down with a bad cold. I've stayed home from school today and yesterday I went home halfway through the day. And on Wednesday, I didn't get any work done. Anyways, I'm in my sick pajamas and watching
Harry Potter with comfort food and my sick sweater right next to me. There's no better medicine. So I will be resuming my Blog-ering on Wednesday. In the meantime, just sit back and relax and make sure you don't get sick!
Sick, sick, sick, Ebony

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Hiya there!
So this is yet another Fashion Sunday and I want to talk to you about another trend that is very popular in my little city. Plaid.
I was just sitting in my window bench looking out the window while listening to my radio and I saw a girl pass by wearing a plaid shirt, her mother had a plaid purse and another girl was wearing a blue sweater and loose plaid pajama pants. It was like a little plaid family. So I opened my closet doors and searched for something plaid. And I'm sad to say that I didn't find much. My new Calvin Klein pajama pants are plaid and I have a shoulder bag that's plaid but not too much else. My sister wears plaid button up shirts all the time and she looks gorgeous in them. She bought one over the summer. It's green and blue and looks fantastic! So of course, I went to my computer and searched stores and runways for hints of plaid or outfits based on it. Here are some of the pictures and websites I found.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

I just recently rented a book from the library that is right across our street. Thirty seconds away if you walk. Anyways, I rented another poem book. I enjoy writing and reading poems. But then I looked on my bookcase and remembered that I have a giant poem book with nine hundred and seventy three pages. That's right. Nine hundred and seventy. I compared the two side by side and sighed. Why did I rent this? But it has many different poets that mine doesn't have. Would you like to hear one of my favourites? Here it is:

In Your Light I Learn How To LoveRUMI

In your light I learn how to love.In your beauty how to make poems.

You dance inside my chest,where no one sees you,

but sometimes I do,and that sight becomes art.

AHHH! That is amazing writing. And many people have forgotten what that is like. Here is an example! This is the stuff that makes books. Little verses like these are the things that makes books into classics. Maybe not this particular one but many like this.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Hello. How are you today?
Jeez, I'm sorry you had a bad day. I had a pretty good day, About a week ago, my mother made sticky rice and it was DELICIOUS. We're trying to eat as healthy as possible and boy, I like it! I had so much of it. Then yesterday, she made it again to get rid of the little bit of left over rice. Anyways, she put it with home-made Sloppy Joes. I swore, I drowned in a pool of terrific-ness. (yes, I did just use the word terrific.) I burnt my tongue a little bit but, it was worth it!

On a completely different note, I am hoping to make a no-bake cheesecake. The ingredients are common ingredients so it's quite easy. We'd just need to buy cream cheese and with ten minutes- voila! A cheesecake right before your eyes! Enjoy!

Sunday, September 5, 2010

So, today is a very special day, it's my birthday!!!
Yes, yes, Happy Birthday, Bonne Fete and all that Jazz. No, no I'm just kidding. But on a serious level, I would like to say that this birthday was amazing! I got some amazing presents and a nice lunch at RED LOBSTER because we have lived in Canada for forever and never been to RED LOBSTER. And my sister thinks it's Un-Patriotic. But oy, was it go-oo-oo-d! I had shrimp and crab! Oh my goodness! And salad and baked potato. So we went home and had a chocolate coconut cake that blew me away and then I opened my presents. I got a Terry Cloth Bath Robe, A Frame where I can put in a stick-on E for ebony. It's really nice. And the Bath Robe is so fantastic and soft and makes me feel like I'm in a hotel. I got an amazing and high-quality face wash and Calvin Klein pajama pants!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyways I'm going to go play Tennis the come back and eat some cake.

I haven't much to say today except that I am extraordinarily excited. Do you want to hear why? It truly is silly but it filed me with joy.
Alright, so on Tuesday my sister and I went to Waterloo to stay for five days with my dad. So we celebrated my birthday because my real birthday is tomorrow. After we had a nice, fancy lunch and did lots of shopping as my present yesterday we went to CHAPTERS and I saw a whole shelf dedicated to SHIVER and LINGER by Maggie Stiefvater whom I talked about last Book Saturday. I was so excited! They all had those stickers that say something like ________ favourite book. And another one that says
CHAPTERS' Book of the month. Anyways, I was really happy. So, enjoy your day. we'll chat on my Birthday tomorrow!!!!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Alright... a blog post. What shall I write about today?
Global Warming? Scrambled Eggs? Exploding Stars? I've got it!The title of my blog clearly says: Food, Fashion, Books and Me. I've talked about Food, I've talked about Fashion for sure, and I've certainly talked about Books as well. But when was the last time I talked about me? Me and just me? I don't recall talking about Me at all as a matter of fact. So today's post will be about me, just so you know. It might be long but I do have things to say that never get a chance to be said and now all my thoughts are welling up inside of me waiting to burst out. So I might as well write them down.
You may not have noticed but in the past few days, I have now two followers on this blog. Now, just to be sure, I am not saying this for any malicious reasons, simply because today's blog post is about me and I am glad that people are following my blog because that means that I am helping them in some way, shape or form. Whether it's reading or food or fashion or anything of such topics. The fact is, I am extraordinarily happy that I am doing good in this world. Because, truth be told, no matter what I do in life, no matter how many ribbons I win or how many A's I get on my tests, none of it matters if I didn't help anyone along the way. Now I know that might sound sappy, but it's true.I don't think I could live with myself if I didn't do any good in life. This is part of the reason I am writing this blog.

Now, since we are...not on the subject...I'd like to tell you that I have taken up knitting! Knitting is very relaxing to me. In fact, I learned how to knit when I was...eight...? That sounds about right. I was eight years old when I first started to knit. I started making this scarf out of yarn that was white, orange and yellow and I left it alone for some time and then, a couple of months ago, I started knitting once more. I find it a wonderful hobby and can't wait to start knitting my next item. The scarf, however, is not finished but should be in time for winter this year. I will wear it once on a day that isn't too cold and then put it away and look back at it in ten years and laugh. You may be asking 'why would she laugh at a scarf?' The reason that I would laugh at the multi-coloured scarf is that it is quite a sight! At the bottom, when I first started knitting-at the age of eight- it really doesn't look like I was knitting, it looks more like I was puncturing massive holes in yarn. There are strings of the yarn going every which way in crazy patterns (that aren't really patterns). I would laugh at the messed-up scarf also because it gets smaller and smaller and smaller as it makes it's way over to the other side. I must have lost at least five loops on my way journey to the other end of the scarf.
And if we're talking about my knitting and my hobbies, I'll tell you that I also love to sketch and draw and paint, I'd like to think that I'm very artsy that way. I love to write and dance to. But the hobby I wanted to to tell you about was acting. I always loved Drama classes at school. We used to have to make these little skits about the chapter we had just finished reading in class. Now, remember that I was in a split class so there were only seven of us and the rest of the class was in a different grade. So the seven of us rarely had anyone else to talk to during lunch and other such occasions when our other friends weren't in our class. So we knew each others flaws and skills. I was the actress and the 'Teacher's Pet'. Because I had such high grades.So whenever we had to make these little skits, people desperately wanted to be in my skit. Which, I can't lie, made me feel good. I'm not a perfect person and since I was terrible at sports and despised Gym class and always got picked last for teams, these little arguments that lasted for a few seconds made me feel like I was on Cloud Nine. You can't say you don't enjoy a compliment from time to time after you've been picked last in Gym class every day and get hit by countless soccer balls, dodge balls, volleyballs and basket balls. Ooh, the basket balls (I had a bruise from one of the basket balls for a month) . But, it didn't matter because when we performed those skits, I was happy and smiling. I could fake cry and keep a straight face even if someone off-scene was making silly faces straight at me. I loved it.
Oh! I've just realized that I've been rambling on forever. I guess you don't really notice if you're talking about yourself now do you? I apologize if I've kept you from something important because I have so many unsaid thoughts and un-known hobbies. So run along now, don't let me keep your important activity waiting. I'm just glad you know a little more about me.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Hello there, how are you feeling today?
That's not good, well maybe some of my ribs in homemade sauce will help. That's right. Today, we're talkin' 'bout R-I-B-S. RIBS. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures to show you but does it really matter how it looks? Sometimes. But if you're just cooking for a family of three for a nice little lunch together, it only really matters how it tastes. And boy, did it taste good. 'Good' is an understatement. 'Amazing' is still an understatement. I don't want to be bragging here, but I do know good food when I taste it. I would have liked it just the same if not more, if somebody else had made it. My mother couldn't believe it when took her first bite. Of course, she was my taste tester for the sauce so you might say it was 'fitted for her palette'. The secret ingredient is
1.Cooking Music
and
2. Having a secret ingredient.

My mother and I share our love for cooking so we also share our cooking music. We have a playlist on her computer that we listen to as we cook. My bird, MAX, tweets along to the tune (did I say tweets? I meant screeches) while we dance around, me in an apron on top of my loose fitting pajamas. And my sister laughs at our dancing while she reads in the living room.

The next secret ingredient is to actually have a secret ingredient. For example, when I was making my rib sauce, I put all these boring ingredients and then two squirts of _ _ _ _ _ _. It just makes you feel special and more chef-like.

Do you all want to know the recipe? Alright, here it is.

Ketchup
Russian Salad Dressing
Maple Syrup (try to get the best maple syrup you can afford)
A few drops of lemon juice
Water
and
_ _ _ _ _ _ (secret ingredient)

P.S. If you think you know what the secret ingredient is, please leave your answers in the comment box below.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

I know I did. The red carpet is always my favourite part. I'm always curious what who will be the best dressed of the night. last night, it was Claire Danes.

I'm sorry January Jones, but I detested how you wore your Versace last night. Here's a little tip, wearing Versace to Oscars, Emmy's, Golden Globes or anything like that usually ends in a bit of a disaster.

I also loved Lea Michelle in her Oscar de la Renta.

Tina Fey looked gorgeous in the dress. It was so unusual and unique.

Emily Blunt's and
Kim Kardashian's
dresses were fab
and very whimsical.

And how could we forget the amazing Jane Lynch?

The broach on her left shoulder was given to her by her sister in law.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Helloo!
So today is Fashion Sunday and I wanna chat about some of the trends going around here.

1. Layers

2. Drapery

3. Oversized

Layers are very nice and professional but can also be very going-out-with-the-girls-tonight. If you know what I mean. If you know how to layer properly, it can look gorgeous, however, one little mistake and you could end up looking like a giant marshmallow in the winter. Or...I don't know. That's not the right example but, it can go wrong. Here are some pictures of layering so you know what I mean.

VERY GOOD LAYERING

TERRIBLE LAYERING--In my opinion. well, maybe the reason I don`t like it is the colours.

I happen to really like oversized knitted sweaters and I can tell that they are going to be very in this winter! But, like with the Layering, you have to know when things are to big or too small. You have to find the Happy Medium. Or what you can do if you have something that is a bit oversized but you feel that it`s not enough for it to be called Trendy is try a big belt at the empire waist or a smaller belt sort of diagonally at your hips.

VERY NICE

Drapery is one of thee most seen around here. There's not much to say about it. Although not everyone can pull it off, unfortunately. I won't say much, I'll just show you.

Beauty In Itself

Alright, I am now going to go watch the Pre-Show for the Emmy Awards tonight. Hope this Blog is helping you and I'll be looking to see if you're Layering, Draping and Over-sizing (is that a word) properly.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Hello, friends and family,
I have really been looking forward to today's Blog Post because I have been dying to tell you about the book I'm reading. You may have heard of it already and if you are reading it, you know how good it is. And if you haven't read it, I urge you to read on and look for this book in your bookstore or library or...just read it! The book is part of the 'Shiver' trilogy. Shiver is an amazing book and I finished it in right about six or seven days. I will give you the little Blurb at the back of the book.'the cold.Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--watches back. He feels familiar to her but she doesn't know why.the heat.Sam has live d two lives. As a wolf, he keeps the silent company of the girlhe loves. And then, for a short time each year, he is human, never daring to talk to Grace...until now.the shiver.For Grace and Sam, love has always been kept at a distance. But once it's spoken, it cannot be denied. Sam must fight to stay human--and Grace must fight to keep him--even if it means taking on the scars of the past, the fragilityof the present and the impossibility of the future.

So, that's the little blurb at the back of the book SHIVER. The sequel, LINGER, came out in mid-July this year. I'm already nearly finished and it is amazing!
The author is MAGGIE STIEFVATER and her blog is http://www.maggiestiefvater.com/
The third book is coming out sometime next summer. So excited! Here are some pictures:

Anyways, you can send me the books you've read and think I or other Blog readers should read in the comment box.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Good...afternoon...? Yes. Good Afternoon Chefs!
I am happy to share with you the Triple Decker Squares I made yesterday! I will have the recipe up here somehow. I'm still getting used to using this blog to be honest. Anyways, would you like to see a picture? I think you would. Well, here it is.

I made these last night and they are SO delicious, a little tedious to make, but I have to say, it really was worth it. The bottom is pretty much like a shortbread base, the filling is some sort of caramel and the topping is just chocolate and milk! Of course, you do have to let it cool in the fridge for quite a while. I had one a square for breakfast this morning and it was s-o-o good! my sister loves me so much when I make desserts.

I just came back from Europe where most of my relatives live and stayed with my grandma, my grandpa, my seventeen year old cousin and eleven year old cousin, and my aunt and uncle. All from my mother's side. Anyways, my grandma is a retired chef and she cooks like you have never tasted. There is a fancy meal at the table for every meal time. And when I was there, i made a delicious dessert that we have been making forever. It looks like this.

It is delicious. Just Phyllo sheet, butter (or oil), phyllo sheet, butter (or oil) phyllo sheet, butter (or oil) ground nuts and sugar mixed together. Continue that motion until you run out of that package of phyllo sheets or nuts and sugar.

Anyways, in my next blog I will see if I can find that recipe to those Triple Decker Squares but until then, it's Goodbye. Well Done Cookin Class.

Monday, August 23, 2010

And welcome to our very first Fashion Sunday! Alright so, I gotta ask you a question, what is with Amanda Seyfried in this picture??? I know its kind of old (The Oscars) but when you put her picture next to Miley Cyrus' Oscar dress from the year before, it just looked like they were having a Who Has A Bigger Dress? Contest. Its the Oscars, not a ball! I mean I love Armani but on a girl that small and for the Oscars, N-O. NO. Anyways, here are the pictures.

Anyways, since we're already on the subject of the Oscars (which you will learn that I love to talk about) there is an older picture of Meryl Streep (Who always dresses amazing) that I wanna share with you, Mr or Ms. Whoever.

And Kate Winslet's 2007 Oscars Dress.

Anyways, I know we didn't talk about runways or new trends like I promised but we sure will next time. I have some tricks up my sleeve! Remember, if you like cooking or baking, make sure to read on Cooking Wednesday!

P.S. Please Comment who's dress you think is nicer, Meryl Streep's or Kate Winslet's?Which is worse? Amanda Seyfried and her Armani or Miley and her Zuhair Murhad?

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Hello, whoever you are, and welcome to my blog!
So, how's your day been so far, whoever you are? I'm glad to hear it. Mine's been pretty good too. Now, if you are reading this blog, you know that this is my first post. My first time as a blogger. And I am proud to say that I am no longer an unknown to the blogging world. I am Ebony Matthews, an official blogger.
And with that, I would like to move onto a new subject, BOOK SATURDAY! This blog is very different and unique from others because 1. It's a blog that you have chosen to read which makes it special and 2. because of Fashion Sunday, Cooking Wednesday, and Book Saturday. Fashion Sunday is the day that I will take the liberty to write about recent runways, new trends, good stores and good places to buy chic clothes for fantastic prices. Cooking Wednesday runs on Wednesday (is it that obvious?). I will write to you about new recipes and the do's and dont's in cooking and baking. And on Saturday we will discuss the new and good books from my point of view and my opinion. The funny authors whose blogs I also follow, and the sappy ones who I tend to dislike. We'll talk about classics. Debate Louisa May Alcott and Jane Austen.
We would be having Book Saturday right now but I spent all this time introducing myself. Below I'll leave you a hint of watch you'll be seeing tomorrow on FASHION SUNDAY!!!!!!